Duck Ham: What should you know?

Duck ham: Everything you need to know

Have you ever tried duck ham? If the answer is yes, you already know that it is a real delight.

This ham is highly appreciated, like all duck meat in general, as it has that characteristic slightly sweet flavour with delicious woody nuances that melts in your mouth.

Although it is less known than the classic Iberian pork ham, it is a very gourmet product. Its intense flavour and the touch it adds to gourmet dishes have made it an essential ingredient in haute cuisine.

So, if you haven't had the chance to try duck ham yet, we are going to show you what you should know before trying it, and at the same time, we will whet your appetite so that you are encouraged to try it, we are sure you will love it.

What is Duck Ham?

Duck ham is a type of cured product made from duck breast, which we also know as magret.

This cut, which comes from ducks raised especially for the production of foie gras, is subjected to a salting and curing process similar to that of other hams, such as the pork hams we are used to. However, its flavour is very different: an intense flavour of duck meat with the salty and aromatic notes that the curing process provides, we can say that it is a type of ham that is harder and sweeter than Serrano ham.

Duck ham is perfect to accompany cured cheeses, although we recommend that you taste it alone, giving it all the prominence of the dish, as this way you will better appreciate all its nuances of flavour.

duck

How is it made?

As you can imagine, the process of making the duck breast is quite similar to that of other cured hams, although it differs in some points that we will clarify:

  1. Selecting the Magret: First, a high-quality duck breast is chosen, making sure that it has a good layer of fat, this fat is essential, as it provides juiciness and flavour during curing.
  2. Salting: The breast is completely covered with coarse salt for several hours. This slightly dehydrates the meat and acts as a natural preservative, keeping the ham in good condition for longer.
  3. Curing: After removing the salt, the magret is seasoned with spices to taste, such as pepper, garlic, aromatic herbs or even a touch of paprika (although for the first time you are going to try it, we recommend that it has as few spices as possible). Then, it is wrapped in a clean cloth and left to cure in a cool, dry place for a few weeks.
  4. Maturation: Over time, the meat develops a firm texture and an intense, concentrated flavour reminiscent of sausages but with the duck flavour very present.

How do I use duck ham?

Duck ham is versatile and can enhance any recipe if we know how to use it well, although it is normal that we tend to think of it as an ingredient that is consumed alone. Some of the most common ways to enjoy it are:

  • As an Appetizer: Simply cut into thin slices and served with good bread or some olives. Its flavor alone is an experience, although we assume that you already knew this first way of consuming it.
  • In Salads: Its salty and umami notes combine perfectly with fresh ingredients such as arugula, figs, walnuts and goat cheese.
  • In Tapas: It can be the star of canapés with cream cheese, red fruit jam or even on a bed of crispy potatoes.
  • In Main Dishes: It can be incorporated into risottos, pastas or even as an accompaniment to red meats, adding a gourmet touch.
duck ham

Some of the benefits of duck ham

In addition to its delicious flavor, duck ham has very interesting nutritional benefits that you probably didn't know about.

It is a good source of high-quality protein and, although its fat content is notable, this fat contains healthy fatty acids such as oleic acid, similar to that of olive oil. This makes it a less "guilty" option for those who want to enjoy sausages without remorse.

On the other hand, its appeal comes from its exclusivity. It is a product that, although it can be made by hand at home, is not as widely available as other sausages in the markets, and unless you have a duck at home or access to get one, it is quite difficult to make it yourself, which makes it an ideal gift.

Why should I try it?

Duck ham is an experience in itself, we recommend trying it at least once in your life, as it is very different from the taste of a pork ham that we are used to.

Its artisanal production process, its incomparable flavour and its quality make it ideal for those gourmet recipes that we all want to try to recreate from time to time, even if you want to enjoy it on its own.

If you haven't tried it yet, we recommend you try it, especially in combination with some fruit jam or chutney. You will discover a universe of gastronomic possibilities that will make duck ham earn a special place on your list of favourites.

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